molybdenum
Americannoun
noun
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A hard, silvery-white metallic element that resists corrosion and retains its strength at high temperatures. It is used to harden and toughen steel and to make high-temperature wiring. Molybdenum is an essential trace element in plant metabolism. Atomic number 42; atomic weight 95.96; melting point 2,623°C; boiling point 4,639°C; specific gravity 10.22 (at 20°C); valence 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
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See Periodic Table
Etymology
Origin of molybdenum
First recorded in 1790–1800; from New Latin molybdēnum, alteration of earlier molybdēna “lead ore,” from Latin molybdaena, from Greek molýbdaina “galena,” equivalent to mólybd(os) “lead” + -aina a suffix indicating relationship or origin
Vocabulary lists containing molybdenum
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Molybdenum production of 3,000 tons came in broadly in line with the prior year period, it added.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026
In their approach, the CL-v phase was employed as the top gate dielectric layer, while the channel material consisted of atomically thin Molybdenum Sulfide.
From Science Daily • May 9, 2024
CMOC, which was previously known as China Molybdenum, denies having done so.
From Reuters • Jul. 5, 2022
The mining deals included a $2.65 billion purchase of a cobalt and copper mine that Chinese company China Molybdenum bought from the American company Freeport-McMoRan, The New York Times reported.
From Washington Times • Apr. 4, 2022
Molybdenum metal has been used to a small extent in incandescent lamps and as a substitute for platinum in electric contacts and resistances.
From The Economic Aspect of Geology by Leith, C. K. (Charles Kenneth)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
